Change is everywhere! How do you “do” change?

Here we are in June, nearly half way through the year. I’m not sure how it feels for you? The last 6 months have flown past for me. It looks like our glorious spell of good weather in Scotland is over for now. Just like the changing weather, we are already set up to go through change in life. However, even in changes you have no influence over, you can still change how you deal with them – change to get the best outcome for you. Change is everywhere!

Last week’s sunshine and light clothes are gone for the time being. Whilst walking this morning, I had to dig out my warm jacket to keep me cosy for my walk in the park. As humans, we adapt, enjoying some days and seasons more than others and make decisions about what to wear for the ever-changing weather!

As I am making significant changes in my life, I wondered if you had stopped to think about how much change may have come your way in the last 6 months, a year maybe? Have you stopped, made time to acknowledge all you have already achieved, are proud of? Take some time this weekend to do that and notice how you feel.

Have you been able to manage changes effectively and notice what you have learned along the way? What key things have helped you? Who are the key people around you that are there to support you? We all need them from time to time; and remember it’s ok to ask for help and support. In my times of change I am grateful for a loving partner, family, friends and my mentor/business advisers who support me.

At the moment I am moving house, bringing together two families and leaving behind an office that has been my working home for the last 5 years. I am leaving a town that has been home for the last 45 years and a home that has brought me much love, joy, happiness, sadness and wonderful memories over the last 18 years.

As I am moving through all my changes I am excited and happy about my future and also really sad at the endings and places I am leaving behind. This pretty much sums up life – sitting in all emotions. Happy, sad, joy, excitement and fear. We don’t have to be one or the other; it’s ok to experience all of these feelings and sometimes all in the one hour!

We live in a world of change and of course, we all deal with change in different ways. We are all unique, wonderful people in our own way. For some, change has been forced upon them whilst for others it is by choice. Even for a happy event of choice, it can still be daunting as you like to know the outcome and with any changes there are often things you don’t know. How do we “manage change” effectively on a personal level, in the workplace – the world in which we live.

Let’s start by looking at some of the effects of change

Sleepless nights

Worrying/ overthinking

Palpitations

Not being able to relax

No routine – eating more/ eating less/ no time for yourself

Anxiety

Withdrawing/ dip in confidence

You may be experiencing all these symptoms. Let’s ask ourselves, is it the changes in our life that is causing these symptoms or is it not knowing what to expect as a result of the change? In a time where you don’t know things towards your outcome, make a list of all the things you already know about you and your circumstances. What if things don’t go according to plan? Or, worse still, go wrong? What if things go really great for you?

It is likely that you could feel overwhelmed, anxious perhaps even that you can’t cope. According to Anxiety UK 25% of cases of General Anxiety Disorder occur in the over 50s but only a third of those receive treatment. Whilst at the other end of the scale, 1 in 8 youngsters between the age of 10 and 15 reported symptoms of mental ill health. Would professional help give you the support you need to move forward and manage change in your life effectively?

What if you could “change” your way of thinking?

How would this make you feel if you could? Our thoughts drive our feelings and behaviour and you can achieve so much from changing your thinking. What if you were able to experience change in a positive way?

I really have to “Walk my Talk” as I journey through these significant times of change. I am taking time to reflect, focus on what’s important to me and letting go of the things that aren’t providing support. The days where I am excited and happy are great and the times where I am sad and overwhelmed, I am sitting in the sadness and feeling it, understanding this is part of my process.

How would you like to manage changes more effectively?

Step 1 – Be clear on where you are going, know what you really want.

Step 2 – Have a plan to support your change – with timescales and milestones along the way.

Step 3 – Have key people and processes to support you as you move along your journey.

Step 4 – Think about your barriers. Have a plan to overcome them.

Move through the steps as required. Change isn’t a straight road and you may find yourself going back to redefine what you really want before you can move forward.

But in the meantime, have fun along the way. Follow my simple steps and do one thing every day just for you that makes you really happy.

If you would like any further info on supporting you through managing change effectively, please get in touch and we can discuss how I can help you live the life you really want now.

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